Getting Ready for Rentals & FAQs

Are you new at renting your home for vacations? Our Hilton Head resort property management team is here to help! We’ve put together the most important tips to keep in mind when getting into the vacation rental business from our seasoned professionals.

And as a vacation property owner, you probably have many questions about how vacation rental property management works. We’ve also put together the most frequently asked questions by our new property management owners.

Tips for Getting your Home Ready for Rentals

1. Do NOT buy anything Dry Clean Only. It’s important that all fabrics within the home are as easy to clean as possible. This will also keep the cost of cleaning down for you.

2. Buy extras when stocking your kitchen. When you purchase dishes, silverware or glassware, buy extras should something get broken. It is also a good idea to have backup bedding in case it needs to be removed to be cleaned.

3. Designate one or two closets as Owner’s Closets. This gives you a secure space to keep any personal items that you would like to leave at the property. It’s a great place to keep items that may need to be restocked from time to time. There should be a sign “Owner Closet or Private” on each locked closet. Guests will need use of at least one closet per bedroom, so plan accordingly.

4. Depersonalize the property. Remove any heirlooms, antiques or anything that cannot be replaced. Remove most family photos, but leave a few to remind guests that they are staying in someone’s home.

5. Keep it cozy. Guests are looking for the whole “Beach Experience” when they are here. Don’t overdo it with the beach décor, but keep your decorating light and bright. Stark white walls, outdated furnishings and dark interiors tend to have a negative impact on the number of rentals booked.

6. Scotchgard all carpets and upholstery. Unfortunately, accidental spills are a part of everyday life. All fabrics should be treated with a stain resistant finish to add a level of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are sheets and towels provided?Sheets and bath towels are provided by Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort as part of your housekeeping fee. Owners are responsible for mattress covers, pillow protectors, blankets and bed coverings. Owners and guests should bring their own beach towels.

2. Do guests get charged a security deposit?Yes. All guests pay a non-refundable $65 damage waiver that covers them up to $1000 of accidental damage. Guests also are required to provide a credit card upon check in which is authorized for $100. The contract that they sign allows Palmetto Dunes to charge the card for any non-accidental damages. If no damage is noted in the departure inspection, the $100 authorization is released from their card.

3. Is a landline required?Yes. In case of an emergency, we cannot assume all guests have a cell phone. While setting up this service, you should block long distance calls.

4. How often are properties inspected?Each property is inspected upon departure and prior to every arrival. If the property is vacant for more than 2 weeks, we do a vacant inspection.

5. Does Palmetto Dunes have in house maintenance?Yes. We have an onsite maintenance department as well as an after-hours emergency service. This allows us to keep maintenance costs down for our owners.

6. How often are statements issued?Statements are issued on the 15th of each month. You access them from your personalized Owner Portal. You can also check your calendar, make personal reservations and track your income from the Owner Portal.

7. Do you allow pets?That is up to you. We do have properties that do allow dogs from October-March, but this is up to the owner’s discretion. There are some areas that have restrictions from the Regime as well.

8. Do you allow smoking?No. Palmetto Dunes is a smoke free property.

9. How do you determine rental rates? We do extensive market research every year. We compare our rates to other companies as well as monitoring our own performance. We use data from previous years and from watching current bookings to determine market demand. We price all condos in the same development the same rather than using a rating system. The more updated the condo, the earlier the property will be booked and without specials or promotions. Homes have more individualized pricing based upon location, size and updates.

10. What is required to be in each property?An inventory sheet will be provided to you in your information packet. But, what you would want to be available to you is what guests are looking for as well. The more well stocked you are, the happier the guests are. This does not mean to run out and buy everything you can think of, but think about what you use and that is a good guideline as to what to provide.

Receive INSTANT special offer & more!

*Email Address:

Scenic 11-Mile Lagoon

This calm saltwater lagoon, winding its way throughout our Hilton Head resort, teems with wildlife. While kayaking, spot blue heron, cormorants, egrets and more or go fishing for a trophy redfish – our lagoon is home to several!

We’re pleased to offer a wide-variety of Hilton Head private home and villa rentals with stunning views of the ocean, golf course, resort or Shelter Cove marina. Plus, you’ll receive a ton of perks when you stay with us.